Renowned reggae drummer Sly Dunbar, a two-time Grammy Award winner known for his collaborations with iconic musicians like Bob Marley and Bob Dylan, has passed away at the age of 73. His wife, Thelma, confirmed the news to the Jamaica Gleaner.
Dunbar, along with bassist Robbie Shakespeare, collectively known as Sly and Robbie or the Riddim Twins, contributed to numerous reggae hits by artists such as Black Uhuru, Jimmy Cliff, and Peter Tosh, gaining international recognition with collaborations with Grace Jones and the Rolling Stones.
The dynamic duo played on several albums by Grace Jones, including “Warm Leatherette,” “Nightclubbing,” and “Living My Life,” as well as multiple records by Serge Gainsbourg and Bob Dylan. Their influence extended to the music industry, with tributes pouring in from artists like Ali Campbell of UB40 and members of the Rolling Stones.
Having been nominated for 13 Grammy Awards, Dunbar’s exceptional talent shone through with wins for Black Uhuru’s “Anthem” in 1985 and Sly and Robbie’s “Friends” in 1999, establishing his legacy in the reggae music scene. In addition to his reggae contributions, Dunbar collaborated with a diverse range of artists such as Joe Cocker, No Doubt, Sinead O’Connor, and Carly Simon.
Sly and Robbie’s impact on the music world led them to co-found Taxi Records in 1980, a label that fostered talents like Shaggy, Shabba Ranks, Skip Marley, Beenie Man, and Red Dragon. Their musical prowess and innovative drumming style left an indelible mark on the industry, with producer Brian Eno once remarking on Dunbar’s ubiquitous presence in reggae recordings.
Dunbar’s musical journey, marked by his versatile collaborations and groundbreaking rhythms, will be remembered by fans and fellow musicians worldwide.
